Honoured for services to LGBT+ community

Jimmy Smith, manager of the Two Brewers, Clapham, London, has received two of the highest community accolades in recognition of 25 years supporting the LGBT+ community.

A prestigious LGBT gay cabaret bar manager for more than three decades, it was a surprise only to the humble operator himself (pictured) to be called out at the Pride London annual dinner last week by co-chair Michael Salter-Church MBE, to be commemorated for outstanding support of the LGBT+ community in London over 25 years.

A week earlier, the Mayoress of Lambeth had awarded Jimmy the Lambeth Coat of Arms, a badge reserved for councillors or significant contributors to the community.

The date Jimmy received the Pride honour coincided exactly with the 25th anniversary date of continuous service with the company, now owned by Stonegate Pub Company.

“It was the most bizarre experience,” said Jimmy. “I was sat at the event as I do every year, listening to a narrative on this year’s winner, and about five minutes in it dawned on me that they might be talking about me!”

In the last two weeks, Jimmy has raised almost £10,000 for Pride London, Grenfell Tower victims and other local charities, totalling £25,000 donated this year alone.

Jimmy also supports anyone who asks, including: the Kings Cross Steelers, founded in 1995 as the first ever gay inclusive rugby union club; Best Bar None — last year being a winner in recognition for his contribution to a safe late-night economy; and London Titans Football Club, one of the biggest and most successful LGBT football teams in the United Kingdom.